Chapter 381: Noble and Base Do Not Overstep Their Bounds

The night passed without a word, and the next day Gongsun Xun went to handle affairs on his own.

According to the general conclusions reached yesterday by this General of the Guards and his core subordinates, the forces should be divided into four routes… On one hand, Wang Xiu would temporarily handle civil and common affairs in the Three Adjuncts; on another, Jia Xu would set out to handle the incorporation of the remaining Liangzhou troops in Hongnong and Luoyang; on yet another, Lou Gui and Han Dang and the other generals would discuss merits and reorganize the army; and on the final hand, Xi Zhong, Xun You, and Zhong Yao would immediately begin issuing the "Edict Seeking Worthies" and broadly recommend talents to fill out the shogunate.

Among these, the first three matters could proceed in parallel, and aside from Jia Xu's side, which could be expected to yield results in the short term, the other two matters were destined to be treated with gravity and were long-term affairs destined to consume an enormous amount of time and energy.

In this way, from Gongsun Xun's perspective, expanding the shogunate, recruiting talents, and unifying authority over affairs became the most urgent task, and also the prerequisite for handling the other matters well.

And to be more specific, perhaps unlike what many might imagine, expanding the shogunate and establishing institutions was actually quite simple… After all, the institutions of the Qin and Han were already very complete. In this era, a general's office had a complete military reserve system and talent recruitment system, and the Three Excellencies' offices, in particular, possessed a complete political system of twelve bureaus and one pavilion, totaling two plus ten plus one, for handling various affairs.

Among these, the so-called "two" referred to the East and West Bureaus responsible for personnel matters: the West Bureau was responsible for internal personnel appointments, and the East Bureau was responsible for external personnel appointments.

The so-called "ten" referred to the Qin-Han Ten Bureau system, namely: the Household Bureau in charge of civilian households, sacrifices, agriculture, and sericulture; the Memorials Bureau in charge of submitting memorials and discussing affairs; the Litigation Bureau in charge of lawsuits; the Law Bureau in charge of postal relay and regulations; the Commandant Bureau in charge of logistics and civilian labor transport; the Bandit Bureau in charge of banditry; the Judgments Bureau in charge of criminal law; the Military Bureau in charge of military affairs; the Finance Bureau in charge of currency, salt, and iron; and the Granary Bureau in charge of granary affairs.

Finally, there was an additional Chief Clerk of the Yellow Pavilion, responsible for document archiving.

Such a system, combined with the military privy council system inherent to the general's office, truly formed a complete hegemonic shogunate system.

In fact, the later so-called Three Departments and Six Ministries system of the Tang Dynasty, the Secretariat, Privy Council, and Three Commissions system of the Song Dynasty, the later Grand Secretariat and Ministries system of the Ming Dynasty, including the Grand Council system of the Qing Dynasty, were, to put it plainly, all variations of the Qin-Han system. Imperial power versus ministerial power; inner court power versus outer court power; civil power, military power, financial power… each vying with the others, merely advancing or retreating slightly according to the characteristics of the era.

There is an excellent saying: all ages follow the institutions of Qin… The affairs of the world are just these things; there is nothing so arcane about them.

And what Gongsun Xun needed to do at this moment was nothing more than to add this twelve-bureau, one-pavilion structure to his own General of the Guards office, and then slam the table and decree that henceforth all affairs within his territory be sent to the General of the Guards office for handling—that was all.

So, returning to the matter at hand, from this day forward, Gongsun Xun's true focus should be placed on talent, because without sufficient talent, no matter how complete this twelve-bureau, one-pavilion system was, it would only be an empty shell.

Therefore, Gongsun Xun had considerable expectations for today's "Edict Seeking Worthies," the hostage lists from Ma Teng and Han Sui, and the recommendations from Zhong Yao and Xun You… In any case, the original intent of seizing the central authority was, on one hand, naturally to ensure that the only authority that could possibly influence his dominion over the realm would not be held by others, and on the other hand, it was precisely for the talents accumulated by the central authority over these years.

The importance of talent is beyond doubt. It is said that all things and affairs are based on people, and this "people" naturally refers to the populace as a collective whole. However, when it comes to actual use, one must still select the outstanding among them to serve as leaders and in other important roles, and these outstanding individuals are what we call talents.

And it must be admitted that the central authority, this bureaucratic collective that Gongsun Xun publicly denounced, still monopolized within itself the most elite and most adept group of governing talents in the entire Great Han Empire… The Gentlemen Attendants among the Yellow Gate Attendants, the Gentlemen of the Masters of Writing in the Masters of Writing Terrace, the Attending Secretaries in the Censorate, and the palace gentlemen, primarily the sons of high ministers and officials, created by Dong Zhuo—all were talents worth looking forward to and absolutely should not be condemned wholesale.

But then again, the prerequisite for all this is that they can be used by me, and that they do not overshadow the host.

After all, employing people is politics.

"Pang De, Pang Lingming?" Under the shade of a tree in the courtyard of the General of the Guards office, Gongsun Xun took a sheet of paper and raised an eyebrow slightly upon reading it. "He also counts as a hostage? Han Wenyue, is he your hostage?"

It must be said that on this morning, Gongsun Xun had ordered the gates opened wide at dawn, hung out the Edict Seeking Worthies, and declared openly that all comers would be accepted, then sat in the courtyard prepared to receive the talents of the realm. And soon enough, amidst a bustling crowd, he indeed welcomed the first wave of anticipated talent dividends—Han Sui, Ma Teng, and some other Western Liang military leaders were the first group to swarm in.

After all, these people did not need to worry about face, and they were restless and uneasy in Chang'an City, their troops placed within the encirclement of Gongsun Xun's great army, trembling with fear… so they were particularly anxious.

"Yes." Han Sui hurriedly rose and said respectfully, "It is not that I have no sons, but none of them are over ten years old, and I fear they cannot serve the General. I only have a daughter who came of age last year, and since Liangzhou is poor and remote with too few young talents, I simply recruited Lingming as a son-in-law."

Sitting under the shade of the tree, Gongsun Xun looked up and pondered briefly, but remained utterly puzzled… If Pang De became Han Sui's son-in-law, why was he always a retainer of Ma Teng later on?

Of course, what this General of the Guards did not know was that it was precisely the battle he presided over that day on the Wei River that had killed Yan Xing, who was originally supposed to become Han Sui's son-in-law, thus allowing Pang De to take his place. Everything has its cause.

Of course, if he could not figure it out, there was no need to dwell on it. Gongsun Xun immediately nodded: "In that case, Pang Lingming is indeed the best candidate. I have heard that he has always liked to ride a white horse and was formerly called the White Horse Attendant in Liangzhou. I also greatly admire his valor, loyalty, and righteousness. It happens that some officers from my Volunteer Corps are to be transferred out now, so let him lead these Liangzhou youths on the list here to serve as replacements."

Han Sui was overjoyed and immediately bowed to express his gratitude.

And Ma Teng also hurriedly rose and had his list handed over through the hands of Jia Kui.

Gongsun Xun opened it and saw the name Ma Chao right at the top, and was even more astonished: "Ma Chao is your eldest son, is he not?"

"Exactly." Ma Teng immediately responded.

"Has he already undergone the capping ceremony?" Gongsun Xun frowned further. "He can't be that old, can he?"

"He has just turned fourteen, but by the time he is sent here, he will be of the age to bind up his hair… I wish for him to learn some things by following the General of the Guards." Ma Teng replied earnestly. "And although this boy is only fourteen, he can already mount a horse and wield a spear, and can be called robust and brave."

Gongsun Xun frowned even more.

It must be said, it was not that he doubted Ma Teng's sincerity, but rather that he had some misgivings about the person Ma Chao… It was not misgivings about his character. A fourteen-year-old brat, no matter how wild, alone and a thousand li from home, could gradually be disciplined in the army. The key issue was that the age of fourteen was indeed awkward—a bit too young.

But if he refused to accept him, that would be even more inappropriate, wouldn't it?

"Reporting to the General of the Guards," at that moment, Han Sui, who had just sat down comfortably, suddenly rose again and said, "Ma Chao is General Ma's eldest son by a concubine… He also has two legitimate sons, one thirteen and one twelve, both able to mount a horse and wield a spear."

Ma Teng looked at Han Sui in shock, but quickly knelt before Gongsun Xun to beg forgiveness: "I absolutely had no intention of deceiving the General. It is truly that the other two sons are too young, and Ma Chao is not my son by a concubine either; it is merely that his mother is a Qiang."

"I have no intention of pursuing this against you." Just as Ma Teng was momentarily terrified, Gongsun Xun, too lazy to bother with Han Sui's petty scheming, finally nodded and spoke. "It is just that I truly feel his age is a bit young, and there is no need to force the binding of his hair… Very well, let it be thus: of these Liangzhou youths on the list, those eighteen and above shall follow Pang Lingming into the White Horse Volunteers, and those under eighteen, such as your eldest son Ma Chao here, should go to Changping to study for two years before coming to serve in my army. What say you?"

Ma Teng naturally had nothing to say.

And once the rules were set, and the two largest warlords of Liangzhou had successfully passed through, then the likes of Yang Qiu, Cheng Yi, as well as the Jiang, Yan, Zhao, Ren, Liang, Su, Song, Bian, and other prominent Liangzhou families and military leaders all came to pledge their loyalty, each sending their sons and younger kin, which naturally requires no further elaboration.

And Gongsun Xun put away the lists, and seeing this group of Liangzhou warlords and prominent families before him being utterly deferential, could not help but sigh: "Gentlemen, do you know why I am so lenient with you?"

Han Sui took it upon himself to answer: "Because of the Lord Marquis's magnanimity."

"It is not magnanimity." Gongsun Xun shook his head repeatedly. "We just fought a battle last year, with over ten thousand casualties. Why deceive ourselves and talk about magnanimity? The reason I tolerate you is nothing more than a matter of priorities."

Han Sui, Ma Teng, and those below all laughed dryly.

"From a regional perspective, in your Liangzhou, firstly, Qiang and Han live intermingled, with chaos stretching over a hundred years. To rebuild it is inevitably a heavy burden and a long road. Secondly, as long as Liangzhou does not encroach upon Guanzhong, it is irrelevant to the greater situation." Gongsun Xun continued, sitting there. "And from a personal perspective, although the Liangzhou army is skilled in war, wastes like you, who seem valiant and unstoppable, actually seek nothing more than to carve out a temporary domain and seek personal comfort. You have no great ambition… Not to mention comparing with Yuan Shao, you are far inferior even to Tao Qian, Liu Biao, and Liu Yan. Therefore, as long as you behave honestly, I can naturally set you aside for now, first deal with Hebei, and then come to reason with you… And you also understand this principle, which is why you dared to come see me at the Mei Fort, still hoping to rely on me to turn things around and secure your positions, correct?"

Han Sui, Ma Teng, and the others smiled even more apologetically.

Gongsun Xun also burst into laughter, then immediately suppressed his smile and put on a solemn expression: "That being said, as the one holding the reins of government, I must always uphold the court's rules. Moreover, my troops are stronger than yours, and I have openly defeated you before, so I can always say a few words to you, can I not?"

Han Sui was still the first to react, immediately cupping his hands and bowing: "We are willing to heed the General's instructions!"

From Ma Teng down, everyone else also hurriedly straightened their expressions and bowed to listen.

"First, I do not care how you manage it, but the commandery seat of Hanyang Commandery, Ji City, and the passage east of Ji City must be yielded. The court will also send a new Inspector of Liangzhou to take up residence in Ji City."

"Aye!" It was a demand for territory right from the start, but Han Sui and the others still gritted their teeth and responded.

"Second, private feuds among you are not permitted. If there is friction, report it to the Inspector first. If you can sit down, do not mount your horses… I will have my own judgment on the rights and wrongs."

"Aye!"

"Third, the three northern commanderies, with Ma Shoucheng as the head, must guard against the Western Xianbei moving south. If Bingzhou requests reinforcements, you are not permitted to refuse. And the three western commanderies, with Han Wenyue as the head, must do your utmost to maintain the Western Regions passage and protect merchants and travelers." Gongsun Xun continued, and as he reached this point, his tone suddenly became stern. "Finally, there must be no acts of cruelty against the people. As far as I know, the common people of Liangzhou are still relatively safe under your rule, and the local populace still holds you in some respect. This, in truth, is the real reason I can tolerate you. Otherwise, no matter how difficult it is, could it be more difficult than the campaign against Dong? I made my words very clear in Hedong and before the Weiyang Palace earlier. If you truly defy me, then just as I exterminated Dong Zhuo, I will take your heads from a thousand, ten thousand li away and display them to the realm… Gentlemen, I associated with Dong Zhuo for over ten years, which is why I could spare his old mother and granddaughter. I have no such ties with you!"

Han Sui's Adam's apple moved slightly, and he was still the first to lower his head and say "Aye."

"In that case, I will memorialize the Son of Heaven tomorrow to grant you two the titles of miscellaneous generals, and you may each lead your troops back." Gongsun Xun waved his hand. "Here in Chang'an, there are a thousand threads and ten thousand strands to deal with; I truly have no mind to entertain you. And you should also return early to stabilize the order in Liangzhou and soothe the hearts of the Liangzhou people… Tell them that the Great Han was stable for a hundred years, and Liangzhou was in chaos for a hundred years. Now the Great Han is entirely in chaos, but since I, Gongsun Xun, have taken Guanzhong, it should be Liangzhou's turn for a little stability."

Han Sui and the others bowed and took their leave, and Gongsun Xun put away the list without giving it much further thought.

It must be said that the General of the Guards office, rarely opened wide, was naturally bustling with visitors. So as soon as Han Sui and his group left, the Volunteer guards at the gate immediately ushered in the next group. This group consisted of three brothers, named Zhang Fan, Zhang Zhao, and Zhang Cheng, from the prestigious Xiuwu family of Henei, descendants of the Marquis of Liu, Zhang Liang.

Among them, Zhang Cheng had formally served as a subordinate officer to the General of the Guards, making him a former retainer of Gongsun Xun… With a background from a top prestigious family and such a connection, it was no wonder they came so early, and also no wonder the Volunteer guards placed them at the very front.

It must be said that in another timeline, these three brothers had once plotted against Dong Zhuo, but gave up on their own, then fled together to Yangzhou, where they were eventually captured by Yuan Shu. They only returned to the central authority after the Battle of Guandu and were heavily employed by Cao Cao.

And at this moment, with such a connection, Gongsun Xun naturally felt that things would fall into place smoothly. He immediately rose to welcome them, intending on one hand to have Zhang Cheng return to the shogunate, and on the other hand, proactively speaking directly to Zhang Fan, asking him to stay and serve as his Bureau Chief of the Memorials Bureau.

However, while Zhang Cheng's return was settled with a single word, Zhang Fan politely declined Gongsun Xun's summons to office.

Gongsun Xun was surprised, but then it dawned on him... For one, back in Henei he had already known that Zhang Fan was an extremely placid man, with a strong Daoist sense of detachment from the world. For another, he also understood Zhang Fan's state of mind — his own presence at Weiyang Palace had been far too overwhelming. To a clever man like Zhang Fan, that would inevitably cause some worry. The man might be inclined toward him, but he did not want to take sides between the Han throne and Gongsun Xun.

To give up a central court post and become a direct subordinate of his, Gongsun Xun's personal retainer — unless absolutely forced, a descendant of the Marquis of Liu would never do such a thing... especially since the Zhang clan of Xiuwu still had a bond of old friendship with Gongsun Xun. As long as this General of the Guards was not some fool who could not tell friend from foe, he would not make things difficult for him.

In truth, Gongsun Xun indeed had nothing to say about this.

Of course, some disappointment was unavoidable.

Actually, Gongsun Xun had a scale in his mind regarding the talents he could recruit in Chang'an.

For people like those sent over by Ma Teng and Han Sui — despite their frontier commandery origins and the rebel stench on them that could never be washed clean no matter what (it was Dong Zhuo who nominally accepted their surrender) — Gongsun Xun was instead happy to see these men join his army and earn merit later in Guandong and Hebei. Because their utter lack of political foundation and their total absence of entanglements within the troops were, in fact, a kind of enormous advantage, allowing one to employ them with peace of mind.

There were others — regardless of origin or stance, as long as they guaranteed basic competence — who, if they chose to present their name cards and come to his door in the manner prescribed by the "Edict Seeking Worthies," Gongsun Xun would certainly do his utmost to arrange favorable treatment for them... Call it buying a horse's bones with a thousand gold, or call it a test of obedience — in any case, this had been the rule for a thousand centuries.

Then there were those who, once they came to his door, Gongsun Xun had no way and no reason to turn away... For example, Wang Qian, He Jin's Chief Clerk, who had once helped Gongsun Xun, and the Shanyang Wang clan behind Wang Qian — that was a debt of gratitude to repay. And if Cai Bojie came to his door again, from Gongsun Xun's perspective, he would have to hold his nose and enshrine him. Similar cases included Liu Kuan's disciples, his former subordinates from Henei, and so on and so forth.

But he had never imagined that these people, who were connected to him, would be so wavering in their intentions, while that pack of Xiliang rebels were each and every one utterly reverent and fearful... Could it be that he could only overawe with force, and not win hearts with sentiment?

Seeing Zhang Fan off and keeping Zhang Cheng, Gongsun Xun could not help but harbor some thoughts. And as time passed, the more people came that day, the more similar situations arose. Even his martial uncle Hua Xin, Hua Ziyu — a man Gongsun Xun greatly esteemed (the scoundrel was Lu Zhi's junior fellow disciple and also connected to Chen Qiu, Shen Pei's former master) — actually advised him not to be too impatient, and to focus on pacifying the hearts of the people in Guanzhong.

As for the so-called "worthies" who truly came of their own accord, presenting their name cards in the posture of "applicants" — not a single one had been seen.

Of course, even though he understood in his heart that those who came to his door today after hearing the news were only people from within Chang'an city, and that few people in Chang'an city needed to seek advancement in this manner, Gongsun Xun's mood still gradually turned gloomy.

It was just that in the present age, as the saying goes, the lord chooses his minister and the minister also chooses his lord. One could not appear too aggressive in recruiting talent; even to make a show of force, one had to do it by insinuation. Otherwise, the one who suffered in the end could only be oneself.

"My Lord."

In the afternoon, as the sky slanted westward, Xi Zhong, Xun You, and Zhong Yao arrived at the General of the Guards' residence with their lists of recommendations. They found Gongsun Xun receiving Wang Qian's son, Wang Can, who was only thirteen and still in mourning garb... It was only then that Gongsun Xun learned that Wang Qian had already died of illness on the road during the relocation of the capital. His heart grew increasingly despondent, yet he still hesitated over how to settle Wang Can.

It must be understood, this boy had come to pay his respects together with his elder cousin; the two were of similar age. But his cousin Wang Kai, though young, was already seven chi tall, dignified and imposing in bearing, looking from a distance like a youth with his hair bound up. Wang Can himself, however, was short of stature, ugly of countenance, and frail of body, resembling an underdeveloped ten-year-old child — truly a cause for concern.

In all honesty, if Wang Can had looked like his clansman cousin, Gongsun Xun would have long since kept him at his side and employed him. But with such an appearance, if he kept him close to train and mold him, and the boy once fell ill or suffered an injury and then breathed his last, he feared he would have failed Wang Qian's two great acts of kindness from those days.

And just as Gongsun Xun hesitated for a moment, while Zhong Yao, Xi Zhong, Xun You, and the others around him tacitly kept silent, suddenly Yufuluo came from the rear courtyard and hurriedly presented a brocade pouch.

"What is this?" Gongsun Xun was naturally baffled.

"Left behind by... Lady Cai," Yufuluo hastily answered. "It is not that I did not know My Lord was receiving guests, but the Lady gave her instructions."

The people around looked at one another; even Xi Zhong did not know why there was suddenly a Lady Cai. And Jia Kui and the personal guards, who knew a little of the situation, how could they possibly gossip?

"Has she gone back?" Gongsun Xun, untroubled, directly took the brocade pouch. In his view, after what had happened the night before, there was no need to think much of it. He would just wait until he had finished his work in a couple of days, then immediately find someone to propose marriage and formally take her as his wife... A dozen or so years ago, taking Cai Bojie's daughter as a concubine would have been laughable, but now that he held the authority of the realm, it no longer mattered.

Though the rules under Heaven were many, few were designed for those truly in power.

"Early this morning, when My Lord went to the front to attend to official business, Lady Cai had already departed," Yufuluo's tone grew considerably smoother when Gongsun Xun took the initiative to ask. "She told us not to inform My Lord, and only left two brocade pouches... One was this one, to be delivered to My Lord. The other was for us subordinates, instructing us to open it at this moment. Only after opening it did we know we were to present this pouch to My Lord at this time and report one matter."

"What matter?" Gongsun Xun was just about to open it when he suddenly froze, a flicker of surprise and suspicion rising in his heart.

"It was written clearly in the pouch Lady Cai left for us. She bade us relay to My Lord," Yufuluo's tone was dry and strained, clearly somewhat fearful. "That she was not going home, but had left for Hedong early this morning, intending to seek out the Elder Lady to find some employment..."

"Why is it that one after another, they all go to Hedong?" Gongsun Xun, hearing that she had gone to see his mother, could not help an embarrassed, rueful laugh, feeling only that Cai Zhaoji was being a bit too forward. However, when he opened the brocade pouch in his hand and gave it a brief glance, his entire demeanor soured.

It turned out that inside the brocade pouch was merely a slip of paper, and on the paper were only a few lines of delicate, fine script:

Since childhood in Handan, I have often heard of the Elder Lady's grace, and have long thought to emulate her as a woman, to leave a name across the realm and bring solace to a hundred generations. Yet constrained by family, much thought went without action; constrained by a chaotic age, much action went without result. Yesterday's affair — three parts for my father, three parts for you, my lord, but in the end, it was for myself. Today I go to Hedong, and shall not return. If my lord harbors even a little regard, I hope he likewise will not seek me out.

Gongsun Xun stared blankly for a long moment, pondering carefully, and finally understood her meaning — what he had thought was a beauty throwing herself into his arms was in fact a beauty, having cast off her shackles, whoring him on the eve of her departure!

"My Lord?" The onlookers, seeing Gongsun Xun remain silent for a long while, and with the Wang Can brothers still sitting there awkwardly, spoke up to remind him.

"Have..." Gongsun Xun opened his mouth at the reminder, but halfway through speaking, he froze, and only after a long while did he recover. "Where is Zhang Cheng?"

"My Lord." Zhang Cheng, who had just entered his service, immediately rose and responded.

"Have your elder brother act as a matchmaker for me," Gongsun Xun said, raising the brocade pouch in his hand and speaking in a daze. "Tell Cai Bojie that his daughter was with me yesterday. Since she is my wife, I shall never betray her in the end."

Like everyone else present, Zhang Cheng was stunned for a long while before he understood, and then hurriedly nodded.

"Also." Gongsun Xun waited a moment, then turned his head again, pointing at the short, ugly Wang Can, still wearing his mourning cloth, and spoke to Jia Kui. "Chief Clerk Wang was an old friend of mine for many years. Now that he has passed away, his son is young and orphaned; I cannot but raise him personally... But I have no family here, and it is inconvenient to arrange. Take some men and make a trip back to Hedong. Escort him personally to see my mother, and by the way, ask whether Lady Cai has arrived in Hedong... Understood?"

Jia Kui understood perfectly and immediately assented, thinking nothing of it.

Having arranged these two matters, as if making some compensation, yet as if it did not matter at all, Gongsun Xun felt lost and despondent, but then suddenly rose to his feet: "In the affairs of the world, if one does not take the initiative to act, one can only sit and lose opportunities... Zhicai, Gongda, Yuanchang, leave the lists of names you three wish to recommend. I will observe them myself... But there is no harm in first summoning the court ministers to make some preparations. You three go and arrange it — tomorrow I shall hold a grand banquet for all the officials outside the city by the banks of the Wei River!"

The assembled aides and subordinates naturally answered in succession, then each took their leave to carry out the orders.

And Gongsun Xun, holding the brocade pouch, sat back down in his seat, yet still felt utterly lost and despondent.

——————I am the dividing line of despondency——————

"Empress Xiaozhuang Renxuan Chengxian Gongyi Zhide Chunhui Yitian Qisheng Wen, the founding Emperor's own mother. The Emperor lost his father in youth, and she raised him by selling silks... In all her dealings in commerce, for twenty years the Anli Firm circulated goods throughout the realm; in all her writings, they indeed amounted to a million words, touching upon history, literature, fiction, and poetry; in all her works for the people, she pacified the two Liao regions, achieving prosperity beyond the frontier. The world marveled at her even before the Emperor rose to prominence." — Old Book of Yan, Annals of Empress Xiaozhuang Wen

PS: Continuing to offer a new book — Han Crown. Begins with the War of the Eight Princes, a new work on the Wei and Jin. Wang Sheng kicks the chaotic Sima clan of the court and punches the barbarians of the Five Hu, building a golden age belonging to the Han people.

Also, thanks to classmate Jianghu Fuxiami for the reward — this is the one hundred and second Alliance Leader.

One more note: there are two reasons this update took so long... One is that my sleep schedule collapsed — everyone should be able to see the posting time of the last chapter — and then my brick-moving work during this period has been rather tricky. I thought I wouldn't need to move bricks these two days, but in fact, first yesterday I ran into a pile driver smashing the sewer in front of my door, which left me utterly exhausted. I slept during the day and slept at night, and then today I was called away to work again, hence the delay.

The other reason is that the recent two chapters have had a relatively high word count, which seems to count as a reason for the delay... uh.

That's all.

(End of Chapter)